Book Vending Machines

Let us help!

This summer, JetBlue is placing six thoughtfully designed vending machines that dispense brand-new, free books for kids aged 0 – 14 in New York City. Kids are allowed to take as many books as they are interested in – no strings attached — in hopes that providing free access to books in a fun and convenient way will encourage reading.

For more information on the research surrounding this program conducted by child literacy expert Susan Neuman, visit our Research and Impact page.

VENDING MACHINES LOCATED AT:

Bronx

PAL, New South Bronx Center
991 Longwood Ave.

Brooklyn

Brownsville Recreation Center
1555 Linden Boulevard

Manhattan

Riverbank State Park
679 Riverside Drive

Queens

Ocean Bay Community Cornerstone57-10 Beach Channel Drive

The Queens Public Library- Central Branch89-11 Merrick Blvd.

Staten Island

Faber ParkRichmond Terrace

Let us help you build your child’s library!

FAQ’s about our book vending machines:

How are vending machine sites selected?

We work closely with local community leaders, educators and community organizations to identify cities within our network and neighborhoods that would benefit most from these additional resources. Once we identify neighborhoods, we research high traffics areas where kids and families frequent and visit often, especially during the summer months. There are also several logistical requirements that need to be considered in order to host a vending machine.

How about donating books to several cities throughout the summer?

We’ve had success in building impactful partnerships within the communities hosting vending machines over the past several years. The response to this holistic approach has been overwhelmingly positive year over year. Our research also shows that we have greater impact when we focus our summer book donation in one city rather than making smaller donations in multiple cities.

How are the cities where vending machines are placed chosen?

The vending machine cities are chosen based on several criteria, including a commitment to cities where JetBlue flies and where book deserts exist. Through our research, book deserts have been identified as high poverty communities that have limited access to age appropriate books for children. To date, JetBlue and our partners have donated over $3 million worth of books through the Soar with Reading program. Since launching our free book vending machine initiative, we’ve brought our book vending machines to Washington, DC; Detroit, MI; Fort Lauderdale, FL, and San Francisco, CA donating 100,000 books to children in each of these cities.

How do I get my book into your vending machines?

We work closely with our publishing partners to cultivate a comprehensive and diverse book selection to include in the vending machines. These books are thoughtfully selected based on several criteria, including the dimensions required to vend properly, diverse titles and subject matter, and age appropriateness.

The Soar with Reading Campaign begins on 7/11/2019 and ends at on 8/31/2019. For every book drop moment shared publicly on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram including the hashtag #BookDrop, JetBlue will donate (1) book. Books will be donated to children and non-profit organizations is areas of need up to a maximum of 100,000 books. This program is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.